Dismantling the generator Nissan Murano Z51 (2009–2014) is a task that owners face when replacing brushes, bearings or the assembly itself. Unlike newer models, the Z51 generator is hidden behind the engine, which makes access difficult. Without preparation, the process can take 4–6 hours, and with a clear plan - no more than 2 hours. In this article we will analyze step-by-step algorithm, necessary tools and critical nuancesthat even experienced craftsmen miss.

The main difficulty is compact engine compartment and fixing the generator to the cylinder block through a bracket. For example, on Murano Z50 (2015+) the mount is different, but on Z51 I'll have to shoot intake manifold or at least part of it. We will consider both options - with complete and partial dismantling of the collector, and also give advice on diagnosing faults before work starts.

Preparation: tools and conditions

Before you climb under the hood, make sure you have everything you need. Minimum set of tools for Nissan Murano Z51:

  • 🔧 Head set: 10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm, 17 mm (necessarily with an extension cord!)
  • 🔧 Socket wrench E14 for generator pulley
  • 🔧 Ratchet handle and crank
  • 🔧 Screwdrivers: Phillips PH2 and flat for retaining rings
  • 🔧 Jack and engine stand (or wooden block)
  • 🔧 Puller for the generator pulley (optional, but simplifies the task)
  • 🔧 WD-40 or equivalent for stuck bolts

Also prepare workspace:

  • 🚗 The car must be on a flat surface (preferably on an overpass or lift).
  • 🔋 Disable negative battery terminal 10–15 minutes before starting work (this will release the residual charge in the system).
  • 📸 Take a photo of the location of the pipes and connectors before dismantling - this will save time during reassembly.
📊 How often do you service your generator?
  • Only in case of breakdown
  • Every 100,000 km
  • Once every 2–3 years
  • Never checked

Important! If you work in a garage without a lift, use engine support (for example, through a wooden block under the oil drain plug). This will prevent the motor from moving when removing the supports.

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z51 with engine VQ35DE (3.5 L) generator is attached to the block via a bracket that also holds the air conditioning compressor. Do not try to unscrew the generator without fixing the compressor - this will lead to belt distortion and possible freon leakage!

Generator fault diagnosis

Before removing the generator, make sure that this is the problem. Typical symptoms of a malfunction Nissan Murano Z51:

  • 🔋 Battery light is on on the dashboard (even after replacing the battery).
  • 🔊 Whistling or grinding noise on the generator side (bearing wear).
  • 💡 Dim headlights and flickering of instruments at idle.
  • 📉 Voltage at battery terminals below 13.8 V with the engine running.

For an accurate diagnosis:

  1. Measure the voltage on the battery with the engine off (must be 12.4–12.7 V).
  2. Start the car and check the voltage at idle (norm: 13.8–14.5 V).
  3. Apply a load (turn on the headlights, heater, heated seats) - the voltage should not drop below 13.5 V.
Symptom Probable Cause Solution
The battery light is constantly on The voltage regulator or diode bridge is faulty Replacement of the generator or repair with replacement of brushes/diodes
Whistle when starting engine Worn bearing or loose belt Checking belt tension, replacing bearings
Voltage above 15 V Voltage regulator faulty Replacing the regulator (possibly without removing the generator)
The generator gets hot and smells like burning. Short circuit in the winding or overload Diagnostics with a multimeter, generator replacement

If the diagnostics confirm a generator malfunction, proceed to dismantling. Don't Ignore Bearing Whistle - its wear can lead to jamming and breakage of the belt, which may Murano Z51 often causes damage power steering pump or air conditioning compressor.

Step-by-step instructions: removing the generator

The process of dismantling the generator Nissan Murano Z51 can be divided into 3 stages: preparation, removal of auxiliary components and direct dismantling of the generator. We will consider the option without completely removing the intake manifold (just move it to the side), which will save time.

Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery |

Remove the engine protective cover (if equipped)|

Loosen the accessory belt tensioner|

Disconnect the generator connector and power wire|

Fix the air conditioning compressor (so that it does not warp) -->

Step 1: Loosen the Accessory Belt

On Murano Z51 the belt drives the generator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor And pump. To release the tension:

  1. Find tension roller (located to the right of the generator when looking in the direction of travel).
  2. Insert the head on 14 mm into the roller hole and turn counterclockwiseto loosen the belt.
  3. Remove the belt from the generator pulley and fix the roller in the loose position (you can insert a screwdriver into the grooves).

Advice: If the belt is severely worn (cracks, delamination), replace it immediately. On Murano Z51 the original belt has an article number 11720-JK00A (length 6PK1830).

Step 2: Disconnecting Electrical Connections

Generator on Z51 has two electrical contacts:

  • 🔌 Control connector (small plastic plug with a lock).
  • 🔌 Power wire (thick cable with nut 10 mm).

Disabling procedure:

  1. Press the plastic connector latch and gently pull it out.
  2. Unscrew the power cable nut (don't lose the washer!).
  3. Take the wires to the side and secure them with electrical tape so that they do not interfere.
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Before disconnecting the connector, take a photo of its position - on some Murano Z51 the latch breaks if removed incorrectly, and without a photo it will be difficult to reconnect.

Step 3: Removing the generator

Now we move on to the most difficult part - removing the generator from the bracket. There are two options here:

  1. Partial removal of the intake manifold (recommended for beginners):
    • Unscrew the 4 bolts securing the manifold to the engine (head 12 mm).
    • Loosen the clamps and remove the pipe intake pipe.
    • Move the collector to the side (it is not necessary to remove it completely).
  2. Without removing the manifold (for experienced ones):
    • Use an extension socket to reach the lower alternator bolt.
    • You will have to work almost by touch, but this will save time.

Generator mounting:

  • Top bolt: head 14 mm (available from above).
  • Bottom bolt: head 17 mm (the most problematic, requires an extension cord).
  • Bracket bolt: head 12 mm (fixes the generator to the block).

After unscrewing the bolts, carefully pull out the generator up and left (in the direction of travel of the car) so as not to damage the radiator. If the pulley is in the way, you can remove it in advance with a puller.

What to do if the bolts are stuck?

If the bolts won't come off, use a penetrating lubricant (WD-40) and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. For the bottom bolt you can use impact screwdriver or lightly tap the head with a hammer through a wooden block. Do not use excessive force - Murano Z51 The threads in the cylinder block break off easily!

New generator installation and assembly

Installation of a new generator is carried out in the reverse order, but there are several critical nuances:

  • 🔧 Check compatibility: On Murano Z51 generators were installed Mitsubishi (article 23100-4M500) and Hitachi (article 23100-4M505). Make sure that the new generator is identical to the old one in terms of connectors and fastenings.
  • 🔧 Lubricate the bolts: Before installation, apply to the bolt threads copper grease - this will make future dismantling easier.
  • 🔧 Belt tension: After installation, check the belt tension. The deflection between the generator and the power steering pump should be 8–10 mm when pressed with force 10 kg.

Assembly order:

  1. Install the generator on the bracket and tighten the bolts criss-crossto avoid skew.
  2. Connect the power wire and control connector.
  3. Place the belt on the alternator pulley and tighten it with a roller.
  4. Reinstall the intake manifold (if removed) and connect all pipes.
  5. Connect the battery terminal and check the operation of the generator.
⚠️ Attention: After connecting the battery, do not start the engine immediately! First turn on the ignition (position ON) and check that the battery light on the dashboard does not come on. If the lamp lights up, check the connection of the generator connector.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes when working with a generator. Nissan Murano Z51. Here are the most common:

  • 🔧 Re-tightening of fastening bolts — leads to bracket deformation or thread breakage. Tightening torque for generator bolts: 40–50 Nm.
  • 🔧 Ignoring diode bridge check — if the generator does not charge, it may not be its fault, but relay regulator (article 23710-4M500).
  • 🔧 Incorrect belt installation - if the belt is twisted, it will quickly wear out and begin to whistle. Follow the marks on the belt (the arrows should point in the direction of travel).
  • 🔧 They forget about the mass - on Murano Z51 The negative wire of the generator is attached to the body. If the contact is poor, the generator will operate unstably.

Another typical problem is damage to the intake manifold pipes when removing it. On Z51 plastic latches are fragile, therefore:

  • Before removing the manifold mark with a marker position of the pipes.
  • Do not pull on the hoses - loosen the clamps first.
  • If the latch is broken, replace it (part no. 14060-4M000).
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On Nissan Murano Z51 After replacing the generator, be sure to reset the errors in the ECU! To do this, disconnect the battery for 10 minutes or use a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch CReader).

Alternative methods: repair without removal

It is not always necessary to completely dismantle the generator. For example, if the problem is brush assembly or voltage regulator, they can be replaced on site:

  • 🔧 Replacing brushes:
    • Remove the rear cover of the generator (3 bolts 8 mm).
    • Pull out the brush assembly and install a new one (part number 23710-4M500).
    • Check the length of the brushes - if less 5 mm, replacement is required.
  • 🔧 Bearing replacement:
    • For the front bearing, you need to remove the pulley (use a puller).
    • The rear bearing is changed after removing the cover. Article: 6203-2RS (size 17×40×12 mm).

If you decide to repair the generator yourself, keep in mind:

  • 🔧 Diode bridge checked with a multimeter in mode diode. A breakdown of even one diode requires replacement of the entire bridge.
  • 🔧 Stator winding must have resistance 0.2–0.5 Ohm. If it shows 0 - short circuit if ∞ - break.

Is it worth repairing? If the generator has served more than 150,000 km, it’s cheaper and more reliable to buy a new one. Repair is justified only when brushes or bearings are worn out.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to remove the generator Murano Z51 without pit or lift?

Yes, but it is extremely inconvenient. You will have to work lying under the car, and access to the bottom bolt will be limited. We recommend using jack with stands and lift the car from the right side (in the direction of travel).

What kind of oil should I pour into the generator bearings?

Generator bearings do not require lubrication - they are closed type (marking 2RS). If the bearing begins to make noise, it needs to be replaced rather than lubricated. The exception is if you are disassembling the generator for cleaning (then use lithium grease for electric motors).

Which generator is better to replace: original or analogue?

Original generators Mitsubishi or Hitachi more reliable, but more expensive (from 25 000 ₽). Good analogues:

  • Bosch (article 0 986 041 920) - reliable, but may require modification of the fastenings.
  • Denso (article 104210-5770) - close to the original in quality.
  • Valeo (article 438186) - budget option (from 12 000 ₽), but the resource is less.

Please check with VIN code car - on Murano Z51 generators of different power were installed (110 A And 130 A).

What happens if you drive with a faulty generator?

If the generator does not charge:

  • The battery will be discharged in 30–50 km (depending on load).
  • The car's electronics will begin to malfunction (for example, it will fail ESP or ABS).
  • If the battery is deeply discharged, it may fail on-board computer (re-flashing will be required).

If the generator recharges (voltage higher 15 V):

  • The electrolyte in the battery will begin to boil, which will lead to its swelling.
  • Fuses or relays in the unit may burn out IPDM.
How to check the generator after installation?

After installing the new generator:

  1. Connect the battery and turn on the ignition (without starting the engine). The battery light on the dash should light up and go out in 1–2 seconds.
  2. Start the engine and check the voltage at the battery terminals:
    • Idling: 13.8–14.5 V.
    • At 2000 rpm: 14.0–14.8 V.
  • Apply a load (turn on the headlights, heater, heated seats) - the voltage should not drop below 13.5 V.
  • Listen to the generator for any extraneous noise (whistle, grinding noise).

    • If the voltage is lower 13 V or the battery light is on - check belt tension And contacts on the generator.